Dangers Without Borders

What does it feel like to be targeted by transnational repression?

Behind the headlines of threats and harassment are real lives overshadowed by fear and silence.

Imagine leaving everything behind to escape persecution.

You must leave your country to start a new life in a democracy somewhere like Canada.

Over 122 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced in 2024 due to persecution, conflict, or human rights violations.

Among them, 176,000 asylum seekers were from China, a staggering rise from just 7,732 in 2010.

At a human rights protest to advocate for other victims back home,

You notice that someone is taking photos of protestors.

Authoritarian regimes often use protest photos to identify and intimidate dissenters.

Hong Kong activists have reported seeing bystanders take close up photos of protestors.

You get an anonymous call late one night.

They're with the police in your home country and say

“WE'RE WATCHING YOU.”

A 2024 survey found that 38% of Chinese Canadians were aware of foreign government harassment, and 14% had experienced it firsthand.

This includes menacing calls, online harassment, and threats of physical harm.

They say there will be consequences if you don't spy on other people in your community, including other protestors.

Your heart races when they mention your family back home.

Family members back home are often used as leverage against dissidents abroad.

In the same 2024 survey, 28% of immigrants in Canada said their families back home faced harassment or covert threats.

This often means police interrogating family members or threats of job loss or stalled promotions for relatives in civil service.

This tactic is known as coercion-by-proxy.

At school, the topic of politics in your home country comes up.

You want to talk about what's happened to you but you stay silent.

You don't know who else might be watching you.

Amnesty International reports that Chinese students abroad are surveilled by the Chinese government and warned against engaging in dissident activities critical of China.

One way this happens is through Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs).

While these groups claim to be social and cultural organizations, they are frequently linked to China's diplomatic network and United Front efforts.

Scared, you call the police…

The local police tell you it's an issue for the RCMP. The RCMP say it's a matter for CSIS. CSIS tells you they can't help you and you need to contact your local police.

You realize you're on your own.

In Canada, victims of transnational repression face a serious lack of support and clear reporting options.

Many are bounced between agencies, and even when reporting is possible, language barriers often stand in the way.

Some forms of foreign interference are more subtle but can be equally destructive.

Online misinformation remains a serious everyday concern in Canada's diaspora communities.

In the last general election, targeted disinformation campaigns were suspected to have flipped at least one parliamentary seat.

With an impending general election coming soon, it is incumbent upon each of us to be on guard of any potential foreign interference campaign.

Use these fact checking tools to help you identify misinformation:

AFP Canada | Fact Check

Protecting Democracy - Toolkit to resist disinformation and foreign interference for community leaders - Government of Canada

These manipulation and control tactics show how far authoritarian governments will go to maintain control and expand their influence.

Transnational repression and foreign interference may be more prevalent in Canada than you first imagine, but work is currently underway to address the issue.

Awareness is growing, but stronger systems are still needed.

If you are a victim of transnational repression, tell us what your community needs, access support resources, and add to our record to help us advocate for better victim support in Canada.